Preparation and tribological properties of TiH2/Fe-based oil-containing materials with interconnected pore structures

To build an interconnected system of pores for oil storage, a ball milling (BM) strategy that disperses TiH2 homogeneously within iron-based composites was developed. TiH2/Fe powders were pressed and sintered after ball milling at 250 r/min. Special consideration was given to the effects of the BM duration on the microstructural and tribological properties of the materials. Tribological behavior was evaluated using the rotatory sliding and incremental loading tests. Specimens were characterized before and after testing via optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the materials produced via BM offer remarkable lubrication properties. An interconnected pore structure seems to be conducive to the formation of a lubricating oil film that effectively improves friction and wear resistance. •TiH2 is suitable for introduction into iron-based materials to produce more pores.•The ball milling technology increases the matrix oil content from 13.01 % to 17.29 %.•An interconnected pore structure contributes to the rapid formation of oil film.•The materials with ball milling process present remarkable low friction coefficient.